How to Get Rid of Starlings: A Comprehensive Guide

Starlings, with their iridescent plumage and energetic chatter, might seem like charming additions to your backyard at first glance. However, these birds, particularly the European Starling ( *Sturnus vulgaris* ), can quickly become a nuisance. They are highly adaptable, aggressive competitors for nesting sites, and can cause significant damage to property, crops, and even local ecosystems. If you’re struggling with a starling infestation, this comprehensive guide will provide you with detailed steps and instructions on how to effectively get rid of them.

## Understanding the Starling Problem

Before diving into specific removal methods, it’s crucial to understand why starlings are causing problems and what makes them so successful.

* **Aggressive Nesting Behavior:** Starlings are notorious for outcompeting native birds for nesting cavities. They will aggressively displace other species, even larger birds, to claim nesting sites in trees, birdhouses, and buildings. This can have a devastating impact on local bird populations.
* **Large Flocks:** Starlings often congregate in large flocks, especially during the non-breeding season. These flocks can overwhelm feeders, strip fruit trees bare, and leave behind significant amounts of droppings, creating unsanitary and unpleasant conditions.
* **Damage to Property:** Starling droppings are highly acidic and can corrode metal, damage paint, and stain surfaces. They can also build nests in gutters, vents, and other structural openings, leading to blockages and potential fire hazards.
* **Agricultural Pests:** In agricultural areas, starlings can cause significant damage to crops, particularly fruits, grains, and berries. Their large flocks can decimate fields in a short amount of time, resulting in substantial economic losses.
* **Disease Transmission:** Starlings can carry and transmit diseases, such as histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, which can pose a health risk to humans and pets.

## Prevention: The First Line of Defense

The most effective approach to managing starlings is to prevent them from becoming a problem in the first place. This involves making your property less attractive to them by implementing the following measures:

### 1. Eliminate Food Sources

* **Secure Garbage Cans:** Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids to prevent starlings from accessing food scraps. Regularly clean up any spilled garbage around the cans.
* **Clean Up Spilled Birdseed:** Starlings are attracted to spilled birdseed. Use bird feeders that minimize spillage and clean up any seed that falls to the ground regularly. Consider using bird feeders that are specifically designed to exclude starlings (more on this later).
* **Protect Fruit Trees:** If you have fruit trees, consider netting them to prevent starlings from accessing the fruit. You can also use visual deterrents, such as reflective tape or scarecrows, to discourage them.
* **Control Insects:** Starlings feed on insects, so controlling insect populations around your property can help reduce their attractiveness. Use appropriate pest control methods to manage insect infestations.
* **Avoid Feeding Pets Outdoors:** If you feed your pets outdoors, remove any uneaten food promptly to prevent starlings from being attracted to it.

### 2. Eliminate Nesting Sites

* **Seal Openings:** Inspect your buildings for any openings, such as cracks, crevices, and holes, that starlings could use for nesting. Seal these openings with caulk, mesh, or other appropriate materials.
* **Trim Trees and Shrubs:** Trim trees and shrubs regularly to reduce the availability of nesting sites. Dense foliage provides ideal cover for starlings.
* **Clean Gutters and Vents:** Regularly clean gutters and vents to remove any nesting material that starlings may have started to build. Block off large vent openings with hardware cloth.
* **Monitor Birdhouses:** If you have birdhouses, monitor them regularly to ensure that starlings have not taken over. If they have, remove the nest and consider modifying the birdhouse to make it less attractive to starlings (e.g., reducing the entrance hole size).

### 3. Make Your Property Less Attractive

* **Remove Standing Water:** Starlings need water for drinking and bathing. Remove any sources of standing water, such as puddles, bird baths, and leaky faucets. If you have a bird bath, change the water regularly.
* **Maintain Your Lawn:** Keep your lawn mowed and well-maintained. Starlings prefer short grass where they can easily forage for insects.
* **Use Landscaping to Your Advantage:** Consider using landscaping to deter starlings. For example, planting thorny bushes or dense shrubs can make it more difficult for them to access your property.

## Active Removal Methods

If prevention methods are not enough to control the starling population on your property, you may need to resort to more active removal methods. Here are some options to consider:

### 1. Visual Deterrents

Visual deterrents work by scaring starlings away from your property. They are most effective when used in conjunction with other methods.

* **Reflective Tape:** Hang strips of reflective tape from trees, bushes, and buildings. The shiny, moving tape will startle starlings and discourage them from landing.
* **Scarecrows:** Place scarecrows in your garden or yard. Move them around periodically to prevent starlings from becoming accustomed to them.
* **Predator Decoys:** Use decoys of predators, such as owls, hawks, or snakes, to scare starlings away. Position the decoys in visible locations and move them regularly.
* **Shiny Objects:** Hang shiny objects, such as CDs, DVDs, or aluminum pie plates, from trees or buildings. The reflective surfaces will disorient starlings and deter them from landing.

### 2. Auditory Deterrents

Auditory deterrents use sounds to scare starlings away. These can be effective, but starlings can become accustomed to them over time, so it’s important to vary the sounds you use.

* **Ultrasonic Devices:** Ultrasonic devices emit high-frequency sounds that are inaudible to humans but can be irritating to birds. Place these devices in areas where starlings are a problem.
* **Bird Distress Calls:** Play recordings of starling distress calls to scare away other starlings. You can find these recordings online or at bird supply stores. Vary the calls you use to prevent starlings from becoming accustomed to them.
* **Loud Noises:** Use loud noises, such as banging pots and pans or setting off firecrackers (where permitted), to scare starlings away. However, be mindful of noise ordinances and potential disturbance to neighbors.
* **Motion-Activated Sprinklers:** These sprinklers will spray water when they detect motion, scaring away starlings that approach your property. Position them in areas where starlings are a problem.

### 3. Physical Barriers

Physical barriers prevent starlings from accessing specific areas, such as fruit trees, gardens, or buildings.

* **Bird Netting:** Cover fruit trees, berry bushes, and gardens with bird netting to prevent starlings from accessing the fruit or vegetables. Make sure the netting is securely attached and that there are no gaps where starlings can get in.
* **Wire Mesh:** Cover vents, gutters, and other openings with wire mesh to prevent starlings from nesting in them. Use a mesh size that is small enough to exclude starlings but large enough to allow for proper ventilation.
* **Bird Spikes:** Install bird spikes on ledges, rooftops, and other surfaces where starlings like to perch. The spikes will make it uncomfortable for starlings to land, deterring them from using these areas.
* **Slope Ledges:** Modify ledges to make them less attractive to starlings. Sloping the ledge at a 45-degree angle will prevent starlings from being able to perch comfortably.

### 4. Bird Feeders That Exclude Starlings

If you enjoy feeding birds but want to prevent starlings from dominating your feeders, consider using feeders that are specifically designed to exclude them.

* **Tube Feeders with Small Perches:** These feeders have small perches that are too small for starlings to grip comfortably. Native songbirds can still use these feeders.
* **Weight-Activated Feeders:** These feeders have a perch that is activated by the weight of a bird. When a heavy bird like a starling lands on the perch, the feeder closes, preventing them from accessing the seed. Smaller songbirds can still use the feeder.
* **Suet Feeders with Bottom Entry:** These feeders have a cage that surrounds the suet, with openings only at the bottom. Starlings are unable to cling to the bottom of the feeder, so they cannot access the suet. Native woodpeckers and other clinging birds can still use the feeder.
* **Nyjer Seed Feeders:** Nyjer seed (also known as thistle seed) is a favorite of finches but is not preferred by starlings. Offering nyjer seed in a specialized feeder can attract desirable birds while deterring starlings.

### 5. Trapping

Trapping can be an effective way to remove starlings from your property, but it requires careful planning and execution. It’s important to check local regulations regarding trapping and to ensure that you are using humane methods.

* **Live Traps:** Live traps are designed to capture starlings without harming them. These traps typically use food as bait and have a one-way entry that prevents starlings from escaping. Once you have captured a starling, you can relocate it to a different area (check local regulations regarding relocation) or euthanize it humanely.
* **Starling-Specific Traps:** Some traps are specifically designed for starlings. These traps often use starling decoys or recordings of starling calls to attract birds. They are typically more effective than general-purpose live traps.

**Important Considerations When Trapping:**

* **Bait:** Use a bait that is attractive to starlings, such as bread, cracked corn, or sunflower seeds.
* **Location:** Place the trap in an area where starlings are frequently seen, such as near feeders or nesting sites.
* **Monitoring:** Check the trap regularly to ensure that any captured birds are treated humanely. Provide food and water to captured birds until they are relocated or euthanized.
* **Euthanasia:** If you choose to euthanize trapped starlings, use a humane method, such as carbon dioxide asphyxiation. Consult with a local animal control agency or veterinarian for guidance on humane euthanasia methods.

### 6. Professional Pest Control

If you are unable to control the starling population on your property using the methods described above, you may need to hire a professional pest control company. Pest control professionals have the experience, equipment, and knowledge to effectively manage starling infestations.

* **Consultation:** A pest control professional will assess your property to determine the extent of the starling infestation and identify the factors that are contributing to the problem.
* **Customized Treatment Plan:** Based on their assessment, the pest control professional will develop a customized treatment plan that may include a combination of prevention methods, exclusion techniques, trapping, and other control measures.
* **Safe and Effective Methods:** Pest control professionals use safe and effective methods to remove starlings while minimizing the risk to humans, pets, and the environment.
* **Follow-Up Services:** Many pest control companies offer follow-up services to ensure that the starling infestation is completely eradicated and to prevent future problems.

## Important Considerations and Ethical Concerns

* **Legal Regulations:** Before implementing any starling control measures, check local, state, and federal regulations. Some methods may be restricted or require permits. Starlings are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but local regulations may apply.
* **Humane Treatment:** It is important to treat starlings humanely. Avoid using methods that cause unnecessary suffering or harm. If you choose to trap starlings, ensure that the traps are checked regularly and that captured birds are treated humanely.
* **Impact on Native Species:** Be mindful of the potential impact of starling control measures on native species. Avoid using methods that could harm other birds or wildlife.
* **Integrated Pest Management (IPM):** Use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, which involves using a combination of prevention methods, exclusion techniques, and other control measures to minimize the need for lethal methods.
* **Professional Advice:** If you are unsure about how to control starlings on your property, consult with a wildlife biologist, pest control professional, or local animal control agency for advice.

## Summary of Starling Control Methods

Here’s a summary table to help you organize and choose the best starling control methods for your situation:

## Conclusion

Getting rid of starlings can be a challenging task, but with a combination of prevention methods, active removal techniques, and careful planning, you can effectively manage the starling population on your property. Remember to prioritize humane treatment and to be mindful of the potential impact on native species. By understanding the starling problem and implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can create a more peaceful and enjoyable environment for yourself and for the native birds that share your space. Regularly assess your property, adapt your strategies as needed, and consider seeking professional help if you are struggling to control the starlings on your own. Good luck!

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How to Get Rid of Starlings: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Get Rid of Starlings: A Comprehensive Guide